Working alongside D5 Architects, Evolve provided planning support for the redevelopment of a prominent site opposite the University of Birmingham South Gate at the corner of Bournbrook Road and Bristol Road, Selly Oak.
The approved scheme replaces several two-storey HMOs with a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development comprising 69 student bedrooms, including studio and cluster rooms, accessible accommodation, communal facilities and outdoor amenity spaces.
Evolve prepared a comprehensive Student Needs Assessment to demonstrate the demand for additional PBSA to support the University of Birmingham, broaden accommodation choice and help reduce the overconcentration and reliance on HMO accommodation to house students in Selly Oak.
Evolve also undertook a Sequential Assessment and Exception Test to justify the site's suitability for development in flood risk terms, demonstrating that there were no reasonably available alternative sites and that the scheme would deliver wider sustainability benefits which outweigh flood risk concerns. Supported by an appropriate drainage and flood mitigation strategy, the development was shown to be safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere.
In addition, Evolve demonstrated that the scheme would make efficient use of a highly sustainable and well-connected site, promoting sustainable travel patterns while delivering environmental benefits through energy-efficient design, reduced regulated emissions and the incorporation of photovoltaic panels.
